OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 189 



last mentioned, may be considered the least abun- 

 dant of all of our swallows in Eastern Pennsylva- 

 nia. It reaches this latitude early in May a little 

 in advance of the Martin, and like the latter, is 

 known to avail itself of a box for a nest; and from 

 its earlier arrival, frequently lays claims to boxes 

 which the martins by virtue of priority of possession 

 are legally entitled, so to speak. A disturbance 

 ensues, and the latter by reason of inferior strength- 

 are forced to seek quarters else\vhere. Where 

 they have been induced to accept the conveniences 

 of man, they soon enter on the most familiar terms 

 with him, and for the many little kindnesses and 

 attentions which he bestows, reward him most 

 gfratefullv bv their eminent services in the destruc- 



> J J 



tion of noxious insects. 



Its movements are exceedingly active, but less 

 so than' the barn-swallow's. Like the latter it seizes 

 much of its food on the wing; but its foraging is 

 more arboreal and terrestrial. It subsists upon 

 the following insects: Culex tceniorhynchus,Asilus 

 sericeus, Scatophaga furcata, Tabanus lincola, Syr- 

 phus obliq uits, S. obscnrus, Anthrax elongata, 

 among cliptera; Har pains corn par, Cymindis viri- 

 dipennis, Chrysomela caruleipennis among coleop- 

 tera; and Acronycta oblinita, Spilosoma Virginica, 

 Orgy a leucostignia, Picris rapes, Colias philodice, 

 Penthina ponwnella^nd. many of the Lcuccenidce 

 Tortricidce, and Noctuid&. 



In Eastern Massachusetts this species breeds 

 exclusively in martin boxes; and in the western 



